what is your favorite .357 mag load?

[.357]

I just got serious about my .357 mag loading usually it load it pretty meek and just plink however my wifes recent interest in camping has got me thinking, i need to load those puppies up a wee bit hotter on the off chance i run into some animal that isn't too keen on seeing me in the bush. So i'm asking you, what is your favorite load?

the only thing i've ever loaded up and shot that was at all hot was

primer: winchester small pistol mags
Case: whatever
Powder: blue dot 10grains
bullets: speer 158 grain Jacketed hollow points

i liked the load but i'm looking for one uses a cast bullet.

[HeavyMetal]

I've been loading a 150 grain RCBS 357 SWC over 14.0 grains 296. In a six inch gun this is dynamite and hits hard!

296 is a very strange powder and in many manuals is listed as a "use as quoted" load with no reduction required.

The Lee manual shows this load at 1510 FPS and 32,000 CUP If this load won't get it done stop beating around the bush and call in a nuclear air strike!

[Treeman]

For "serious" .357 woods duty my load is the lyman 358429 173 grain Keith bullet over 15.5 grains of lil gun. One note-many people report great performance from lil gun in rifles and lackluster performance in revolvers....bullet pull/start resistance is extremely important with lil gun. I happen to have a set of tight C&H dies for my .357 loads that help me get consistent velocities and match the velocity of 10% higher charges from "looser" dies. FWIW , My old .357 load was 10 gr of Blue Dot under 158grain bullets-still a good load.

[lylejb]

Well, I'm new to casting, but i sure like the look of the lee 358-158-rf (my mold is in mail) . Nice big meplat, should work almost like a wadcutter for light target / plinkers. should hit like a hammer when loaded hot.

In the past, i've carried Hornaday's 158gr FP/xtp with 13gr blue dot (this is a max load). The flat point XTP is a flat point with a small hollow. It's designed for higher velocity than their big hollow point, and doesn't over expand.

It's my pick for a woods just in case load. I don't know what type of critters you may have, but i would not hesitate on a cougar or black bear, or as a deer hunting load.

LB

[SierraWhiskeyMC]

Well, a .357 would be OK for a cougar or a deer, but I have my doubts about black bears or wild boars. If you might run into the latter two, you really need something more like a .44 Magnum.

I really like .357 Magnums; they're very versatile. I have several S&W versions. But I wouldn't want to have to use one on dangerous game.

But were that my only available choice, I'd probably use my "noisy" load; which is 15 grains of IMR 4227 under a 158 grain boolit. It has a heck of a muzzle blast and a basketball-size orange flame out of the muzzle. Not really speedy; you'll only get around 1200 FPS out of a 5" barrel with it.
Same boolit & barrel, 15gr of 2400 powder will get you around 1270 FPS.
Same boolit & barrel, 11.6gr of Herco powder will get you around 1390 FPS, and duplicates factory loads.
All of the above are maximum loads, producing chamber pressures in the range of 22,000 to 23,000 lbs. Standard precautions apply.

If you have a large frame revolver, you could consider using 15 gr 2400 powder with a 150gr to 160gr boolit to get around 1550 FPS. Don't try this with a standard frame revolver, as this load is above 25,000lbs chamber pressure. Be sure to label the box as a high power load. Marking the case base with a red Sharpie would also be a good reminder that they are high power loads.

[StrawHat]

I like the Elmer Keith 358439 boolit over the Keith recommended load using 2400 powder. It has been very good in the N frame, L frame and K frame.

A bit harder to cast than a solid but worth it when using the 35 caliber revolver.

I also like the 358429 solid and the Keith load when I want penetration. Both boolits give good accuracy when used at long ranges.

[kawalekm]

My standard .357 load is Lyman's 358477 bullet lubricated with Thompson's Blue Angel over 12.0 grains of Blue Dot.

[masscaster]

My favorite load for the .357 Magnum is:
Lyman Mould #358477 - Sized .357
Alox/Parrafin Lube w/ Motor Mica Dusting
Unique Powder @ XXXXXX
Winchester Primer
Shoots good.
masscaster

[sheepdog]

6.2 grains of red dot behind a 158 grain LRN is a pretty nice load.

[Old Ironsights]

I have 2 basic loads:

358156, 7.1gr N340, SMP (general Purpose)
and
C358180RF, 16gr LilGun, SMP (whompumstompum)

[Rocky Raab]

I generally use jacketed bullets in the 357 and cast in the 38, but have also had great success with a Loverin-style 158 SWC-GC cast in the magnum. The gas check is necessary for higher oomph loads, IMO.

I like AA-9 for top end 357 loads because it gives all the performance of the usual magnum powders, but with zero muzzle flash. I use Accurate Arms book data, less a couple tenths from max and am perfectly happy.

[20nickels]

For those of you using Lil gun, do you use a standard or magnum primer?

[UweJ]

I use 6.4 gr Bullseye under a 158grain SWC. Very nice target load out of my S&W 686 - 6 "
Uwe

[2ndAmendmentNut]

Hey .357 I used a similar load to the one you have listed above, only instead of a J word bullet I used a Lee mold to drop a 158gr SWC w/gas check. It was a good load, but for the woods I really like my Lyman 358429 170gr boolits on top of a case of H110.

[Echo]

Lyman -156GC over 15 grs 2400. The Lee similar boolit is a suitable substitute. I haven't chrono'ed it, but should be around 1250 or thereabouts.

[Treeman]

masscaster, Double check your data!!! the load that you just listed is more that 20% over handbook max.

sierrawhiskey, Your pressure figures/advice are bit odd.

20 nickles, I use Win. small pistol primers with lilgun

[lylejb]

@Sierra

As i said in my post, " I don't know what type of critters you may have" . .357 lists his location as "the desert" so bear is probably not a concern.

I'm in western Oregon, and the black bears i've seen hunters bring in run alot smaller than what most people have in mind when you say " a bear".

With good shot placement, a warm 357 is an adaquate minimum for what i could expect to find in my area.

Your needs may differ. By all means, bring what you feel will meet your needs.

If i were to go some place that had larger dangerous game, i would likely bring my 30-06. i Know i can get the job done with that.

So far, .357 has not said what animals he expects in his area, so we're all just speculating.

LB

[masscaster]

Thank you Treeman!! lol! Blow everyone up with that!!
That's what you get on your Birthday, drinking Beer and typing. Shoulda got out me data cheet!!
That should read 6.1 grains of Unique..............................
Please disregard my most recent oooops!!
Those are standard pistol primers by the way.
4 1/2" Ruger
masscaster

[BCB]

Security-Six 6 incher...

Lyman 358429...

H-110...15.0 grains...

1247 fps...

'Nuff said...BCB

[SierraWhiskeyMC]

I use 6.4 gr Bullseye under a 158grain SWC. Very nice target load out of my S&W 686 - 6 "
Uwe

Uwe,
Double-check your numbers on your load; that would be a pretty hot load even in a .44 Magnum - and the .44 Magnum has a lot more space in the case.

Alliant Powder's max load for a 158gr LSWC with Bullseye is 4.8gr. If you are actually using 6.4gr of Bullseye, you are probably subjecting your S&W 686 to rather significant overpressure.

[SierraWhiskeyMC]

sierrawhiskey, Your pressure figures/advice are bit odd.
The loads came out of Lyman reloading handbooks #39 and #45; they were handy, and I'd never had problems with their published loads.

[bob208]

my go to load for years was 358429 with mag primer 10 gr 2400 in a .38 case.
why a 38 case well that was all i had and could aford to buy. the 358429 mold was my first mold i ever bought. single cavity and i hand poured them a night in my shop on the farm. that heavy bullet at that speed had a good swat when it hit anything.

i used it in my old model black hawk

[.357]

wow great advice on the loads and i'm glad everyone is out there being safe. I'm looking into buying a .44 mag as my family owns land in montana and them bears up there aren't so nice as the ones we have down here.

Keep the load comin' this is a great archive for new ideas.

[SierraWhiskeyMC]

my go to load for years was 358429 with mag primer 10 gr 2400 in a .38 case.
why a 38 case well that was all i had and could aford to buy.

Except for the magnum primer, that's actually a safe .38 Special load. Lyman #45 reloading handbook gives 10.5gr max for 2400 with a 358429 boolit in .38 Special. Rem 1-1/2 primer was called for in that load.

In .357 with a Rem 5-1/2 primer, sug. starting load for 2400 was 11 gr (1010fps), max of 13gr (1180fps).

Although it's been posted a number of times, it's worth repeating:
Never use .38 Special cases for .357 Magnum loads; use of the smaller case will increase peak pressures.

[longhorn47]

my best 357 is the one that did not hit me

[vanilla_gorilla]

I like the Elmer Keith 358439 boolit over the Keith recommended load using 2400 powder. It has been very good in the N frame, L frame and K frame.

A bit harder to cast than a solid but worth it when using the 35 caliber revolver.

I also like the 358429 solid and the Keith load when I want penetration. Both boolits give good accuracy when used at long ranges.

I also use the 358429, though over a load slightly reduced from EMK's helping of 2400.

[UweJ]

Uwe,
Double-check your numbers on your load; that would be a pretty hot load even in a .44 Magnum - and the .44 Magnum has a lot more space in the case.

Alliant Powder's max load for a 158gr LSWC with Bullseye is 4.8gr. If you are actually using 6.4gr of Bullseye, you are probably subjecting your S&W 686 to rather significant overpressure.

No trouble with this load . Chrono`saround 1220 fps. According to Ouickload max pressure is 13511psi which isn´t to much.
OAL is 40.00 mm -1.575 inch
Uwe

[AlaskaMike]

I like any of the 150 - 160 grain cast SWCs over 14.5 grains of 2400 with a standard primer, or 17.0 grains of 296 with a mag primer. I shoot mine out of a S&W Model 28. I've also used 158 grain Speer Gold Dots with the same charges with good results.

I've never really been that satisfied with the typical Blue Dot load of about 10 grains. For some reason that load with various SWC bullets just wasn't all that accurate in my model 28.

Mike

[mdi]

I know everyone is just trying to be helpful, and no flames intended but, I pay NO attention to loads posted on ANY forum. An example of why is the load, given by mistake, that was way over max loading. If you need any load information GET A MANUAL, if you need any info on Speer bullets, get a SPEER MANUAL, if you need info on Hodgdon powders get a HODGDON MANUAL, for cast bullets get a LYMAN CAST BULLET HANDBOOK, etc. etc., etc. I do not rely on any single source of info on load data; manuals, web sites, or forum "experts", and use at least two for starting loads. Not overly cautious, just common sense. Besides the research is fun!

[Old Ironsights]

As President Reagan said...

"Trust, but Verify"...

[AlaskaMike]

I know everyone is just trying to be helpful, and no flames intended but, I pay NO attention to loads posted on ANY forum. An example of why is the load, given by mistake, that was way over max loading. If you need any load information GET A MANUAL, if you need any info on Speer bullets, get a SPEER MANUAL, if you need info on Hodgdon powders get a HODGDON MANUAL, for cast bullets get a LYMAN CAST BULLET HANDBOOK, etc. etc., etc. I do not rely on any single source of info on load data; manuals, web sites, or forum "experts", and use at least two for starting loads. Not overly cautious, just common sense. Besides the research is fun!

Excellent advice, but never assume that website or forum data is more suspect than any other non-authoritative source. I see lots of people strongly cautioning others that they need to be very suspicious of data they get off the internet, but I almost never see such cautions regarding data passed by "experts" in gun shops, or other verbal sources. Gun shop "experts" scare the crap out of me, but in forums like this one the more experienced members reading a post tend to do a quick mental check of any data posted, and usually shout out if they think it's excessive or otherwise questionable. Think of it like "peer review"--you don't get that when talking with that gun shop "expert".

Also, as you mention you can't assume that just because you have one manual and strictly adhere to it that you'll be safe. I've found typos in virtually every manual I have. This is why it's critical to cross-check with other manuals.

Mike

[357mags]

H110/W296 16.5grs, mag primers, 170gr RNFP gas check lead bullets.

[StarMetal]

Well I feel I'm smart enough to check a load out thoroughly that was given on the internet. Don't forget too that many of the bullet/powder manufacturers give loads out on the internet too and lets hope that the website information is more then double checked.
With that said my favorite just shooting load for the 357 is the RCBS 150 grain SWC over top 6.0 grains, six grains, of Unique.

Joe

[dualsport]

If you have ever been stalked by a cougar ( I have, at night, a looong ways out in the boonies), the first thing you'll notice is you didn't have a clue the cat was there 'til it's Very close, behind you. The next thing you'll think of is I wish I had a bigger gun with a good light on it. Since that day I won't go into the mountains of California at night without a 12 ga. pump set up for QUICK work at close range, and a sidearm for a backup with another flashlight or two handy. They get big here in the high country wilderness, some living to ripe old age living off a state game refuge 'til they can't get deer easy anymore. That's when they get desperately hungry, and by that time they are big. It's all academic 'til you're looking up the nose of a 150 lb. beast intent on eating you. Think twice about your weapons, then practice. A lot.

[That'll Do]

My target load:

158gr LSWC
6.0gr Unique
Fed 100 or 200 primer

or

158gr LSWC
6.0gr Hodgdon Universal
Federal 100 primer

My "Big Boomer" load:

158gr LSWC
13.5gr Alliant 2400
Federal 200 Primer

The 2400 load shoots like a laser beam out of my 6" 686. The accuracy is amazing.

[TCLouis]

I could not find a decent shooting load with a boolit, let alone a favorite til last weekend for my GP100.

LAR45 180 RNFP GC boolit, 14.0 WW296 and it stacked them (Yes, LAR45 GB boolit, from way back when on the AR site).

Gotta try that load with my 358429. Hopefully it will also be a performer.

Now if I could get that 160 Grain RNFP GB boolit to perform at plinker level.

[docone31]

My Dan Wesson, and Smith 686 love 10gns of Blue, and 158 Flat nose by Lee.
I haven't felt the need to experiment further. No leading, good patterns, modest recoil. A good load for me.

[waco]

162gr gc swc over 12gr 2400 standard spp

[watkibe]

Hey Dualsport: I know exactly what you are talking about ! Getting followed out of the hills at night by a cougar is pretty doggone spooky !

I will give no amounts, look them up and develop them on your own, but I will recommend bullet, powders, and primers that I like in my 357.

Plinking, casual target load: Unique, CCI SP primer, 158 gr Lee tumble lube SWC with LLA. I like Unique because besides shooting well, it's bulky enough that a double charge would be noticeable.

Full speed ahead load: H110, CCI SPM primer, same bullet as above.

I firmly taper crimp both loads in a separate step after seating. They say that H110 needs a heavy roll crimp for good combustion, but my firm taper crimps do the job just fine. The data on H110 is a little confusing. Some sources say to use the load exactly as given, while others say to reduce no more than 3% to start. Basically, it likes the case about full, but you can get too much in the case and get pressure signs. I like to compare several sources, and then use the most conservative load exactly as given.

[Prince555]

I've just recently tried the Lee 158 RF with W.Weights- it's around 160gr &
15.5gr of IMR 4227.
Out of a 4 inch Ruger Security Six at 15-20yds it's putting 3 shots into a hole
the size of a .45. With a S&W model 60- 3 inch .357 that load shoots clover-
leafs. I'm not sure what velocity I'm getting though.
Federal Gold Medal primers.
No pressure signs at all and easy extraction.

[pdog]

I just went out today to try out 2400 for the first time. 158 Mid States cast bullet over 14.0 is 1404 fps, 14.5 is 1340 fps and 15.0 was 1490 fps in a 6 inch Ruger GP100. The 14.0 was the most accurate of the 3, other 2 started getting bigger. 14 at 40 yards was about 2 inch group, 14.5 was around 3/12 and 15 near 4 1/2 inch group.

[mrmoore2]

I've been using a 204 grain Lyman 358315 over 16.5 grains of H110 in my 16" Contender carbine. It's the max load in my Lyman manual and boy, does it thump. I can't wait to get down to the farm and try it on a feral pig. At an OAL of almost 1.9" it's way too long for the cylinder on my GP100, though.

[sniper]

Powder: blue dot 10grains
bullets: speer 158 grain Jacketed hollow points

i liked the load but i'm looking for one uses a cast bullet.

Based upon the Lyman reloading handbook, I used 10 gr. Blue Dot behind cast 158 gr. SWCs for years, before they issued the warning. I ran out, and never did buy more. I think that is a good load.

I never saw the need for magnum primers with my powders: 2400, Unique, Universal and Blue Dot.

My favorite load for IPSC shooting and general enjoyment is 5.9gr. Unique, 357 brass, standard primers, 158 gr cast or swaged /RCBS 150 gr. SWC.

Dunno what it chronoes, but 5.5 gr Unique and the same components chronos 860fps from a 4 in. barrel.

[That'll Do]

Based upon the Lyman reloading handbook, I used 10 gr. Blue Dot behind cast 158 gr. SWCs for years, before they issued the warning. I ran out, and never did buy more. I think that is a good load.

I never saw the need for magnum primers with my powders: 2400, Unique, Universal and Blue Dot.

My favorite load for IPSC shooting and general enjoyment is 5.9gr. Unique, 357 brass, standard primers, 158 gr cast or swaged /RCBS 150 gr. SWC.

Dunno what it chronoes, but 5.5 gr Unique and the same components chronos 860fps from a 4 in. barrel.

The warning Alliant issued for Blue Dot applied to bullets of 125gr or less in 357 Magnum, and all bullet weights in 41 Magnum. I still occasionally use Blue Dot for 158gr loads in 357, and I haven't had any problems.

[357Mag]

PD -

Howdy !

The best .357Mag load I've found ( for 4, 5 & 6" bbls ) is:

Any Lyman lead SWC of 158 - 172gr over 14.5gr W296 w/ SP Mag primer.

In 34yr of use, have not found a more consistently accurate, and easy clean-up combo iin .3557Mag.

It has " Major Calibre" horsepower, yet is towards bottom of charge wts. allowed for 296 in 357Mag.

I also like 8gr I4756 and SP primer under Lyman 158-172gr SWCs.

I don't shoot gas checks atall.


Best of luck in your endeavors.

Regards,
.357Mag

[Prince555]

Hey .357 Mag,

I just tried that W 296 load after working up & it was Excellent.

Thanks

[Snapping Twig]

Three loads, all in a magnum case, all with WSP primers, pure wheel weights air cooled, lube White Label BAC.

Lyman 358156, no gas check, 5g W231. I figure this to be the equal of a .38spl +P.

Lyman 358156, gas check, 15.5g W296. Standard magnum.

Lyman 358429, 15.5g W296. Much smashem downrange.

[tackstrp]

has anyone tested or used the Lee 358 swc 158 grain trumble lube? Curuous your opinion

[kelbro]

has anyone tested or used the Lee 358 swc 158 grain trumble lube? Curuous your opinion

Midway has one on the way to me right now. The 44SWC TL shoots well so i took a chance on this one.

[looseprojectile]

I have a rifle in .357 Magnum. In a rifle the .357 is a whole nuther cartridge. If you want power with the .357 toss that hand gun away and get a carbine or rifle.
Now I will never shoot a load that develops fifty two thousand pounds of pressure though I have loaded and shot some really wild loadings. It would be foolhardy to load and shoot some of this guys loads in handguns especially the smaller ones. Ruger single actions are very strong but are not rifles. This is just to show you what has been done with the cartridge not something that you should do at home. I do like the heavier boolits in my rifles and regularly use .38 special brass with the long boolits and see little difference as long as the loads are not over maximum for the .357. I have a S&W model 28 and I would not load anything for the rifle that I could not safely shoot in the hand gun.
Look here.

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/357_magnum_and_the_literature.htm


Life is good

[harvey57]

Below are some loads for my favorite .357 bullet weight. I use NEI Hand Tools' #160-200gr-RNFP. It seems to work well at 100 yards and beyond. I have used H-110 and Lil'Gun with good results in both rifle and revolver. I have used AA#7-8.5gr with good results. This load is the lower end for a jacketed 185 grain bullet. I have tried IMR-4227 and had ignition difficulties.

Load Data and Range Test Results Below .357 Mag, Freedom Arms, 200 gr. RCBS cast bullets

Trim cases to fit cylinders, Freedom Arms 1.278”. Use your own cylinder length and subtract some. Then trim as needed

Todd Normally tests loads at 100 yards. Due to windy conditions these tests were 10 shots each at 50 yards with a 8" Freedom Arms 357 and Leupold scope and rings from sand bag rest. (50 Yard Load Data Crimp over Front Driving Band)


POWDER CHARGE PRIMER BRASS VELOCITY SD GROUP
WW 296 15.8 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1410 fps 13 .76"
WW 296 15.6 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1396 fps 11 .99"
AA#9 15.0 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1508 fps 10 1.08"

(Crimp in Crimping Groove)
POWDER CHARGE PRIMER BRASS VELOCITY SD GROUP
AA#9 14.1 gr. FED 205 IMI 1409 fps 8 .92"
AA#9 14.5 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1414 fps 5 1.35"
LilGun 14.0 gr. CCI SPM IMI 1325 fps 18 1.10"
LilGun 14.5 gr. CCI SPM STAR 1361 fps 18 .75"
LilGun 15.0 gr. FED SPM IMI 1363 fps 14 .59"
H-110 15.0 gr. FED SPM IMI 1313 fps 19 1.25"
H-110 16.2 gr. FED 205 IMI 1367 fps 5 .77"

NOTE: SPM = Small Pistol Mag Primer STAR = Starline Brass IMI = Israeli Military Industries


Yours, Harvey

[DesertWolf]

has anyone tested or used the Lee 358 swc 158 grain trumble lube? Curuous your opinion

'been using this for awhile now. It's my go to and favorite boolit now!

:wink:

[Village Idiot]

GP100 6"
15.5 grs H110
Mag primer
Accy is good, don't have velocities on it though

V.I.

[.357]

I just FINALLY found some H-110 looking forward to shooting some out of the 4 inch.

[2shot]

Lyman 358429 with a max load of Herco. I bullets drop 173 out of my mold and I get over 1200 fps and shoot these loads in all of my S&W 28's and 66. Crimp to the top driving band and you will not have any problems. Accurate in all of my 357's.

[Clark]

I take a 38 special Colt Police Positive:
a) Cut an inch off the butt of the frame.
b) Put on Colt Agent sized gripper grips.
c) Ream out each chamber to 357 mag with a few twists of the wrist with a .380" straight fluted reamer.

I take the Hodgdon 357 mag load of 18 gr LIL'GUN 158 gr XTP:
a) Change the bullet to 158 gr cast semi wad cutter
b) Increase the charge to 26 gr
c) Get the extra powder to fit with double compression

I shoot it:
a) Wear ear plugs AND hearing protectors
b) Wear gloves
c) Get the feet spread out.
d) Get that full house 44 mag feeling

The disillusion:
a) Shoot over a chronograph
b) Notice that the 18 gr load gets more velocity than the 26 gr
c) Realized that the noise and recoil were an illusion of power.

[9.3X62AL]

Clark--

Good to see you again. Intrepidity is its own reward.

I use a lot of Alliant 2400 and WW-296 with Lyman #358156. Most of these loads duplicate the 1275-1300 FPS given by my carry loads (W-W 158 JHP) in the Model 686 x 4". These are a smooth ride in a 6.5" pre-Model 27 N-frame, too.

The Bisley Blackhawk x 7.5" does the heavy lifting for me in 357 Magnum. Crimped in the boolit's lower groove, I pour enough 2400 in to achieve almost 1600 FPS. Casings usually fall free from the chambers if the muzzle is raised to let gravity work for you.

[That'll Do]

Just wanted to add a load I worked up.

Boolit: Lyman 358429 cast from WW w/ 2% tin added.
Powder: 15.0gr of IMR 4227
Primer: CCI or Federal Small Pistol

I don't have a chrony, but I am shooting 1" groups at 25 yards from my 686 w/ 6" bbl.

I just wish the powder wasn't so darn expensive ($27/lb. in my neck of the woods).

[.357]

Boolit: 195358GC NEI WW + 2% tin
Poweder: h110 12.5 grains
Primer: Remington SPM
Gun: 4 inch Ruger .357

I don't have a chrony but the 1 inch groups off hand made me happy. 13.0 grains started to get me flattened primers and a 13.5 made the little lip on the primer strike i think 12.5 h110 is my new walking in the woods load.

[missionary5155]

Good morning
7 grains Unique with any Boolit I choose to plop in there except HBWC. 150 grain for those hiding hedge apples. 162 WC for fine target work. 180 fn for any other application other than hunting. Up to 8 grains IF I want to thump a bit harder. Groundhogs up close with a 50/50 boolit do not walk away. This is in my DW revolver.
For serious 357 hunting I use a 180 fngc WW over a stout load of 296. THis was my Steel load in my Dan Wesson 10 " and I use it for anything under 50 yards that needs a 36 caliber hole clean through it. The 8" barrels also work well with this load. If this is not adequit it is time for something that starts with a .4 and ends with a 1 or a 5.

[Bula]

A great load is 13.5g of 2400 under a 358429. Shoots great in my Ruger and Smith. Not abusive, but it hits with all the authority you'll need from a .357. I do go a grain or so higher with the 358156 but I like not having to use GC's (i'm really cheap). I save those for the carbine loads.

[GH1]

I use 13.5 gr AA#9 underneath a 158 gr RNFP with CCI 500 primers. I have no idea on velocity, I'm guessing it's around 1250 in my revolver and a little bit higher in my levergun.
Oddly enough, I found that the #9 produced much less leading than 6.0 gr Bullseye. I'm guessing it's due to obturation.
GH1

[Al57]

Well, I'm new to casting, but i sure like the look of the lee 358-158-rf (my mold is in mail) . Nice big meplat, should work almost like a wadcutter for light target / plinkers. should hit like a hammer when loaded hot.

In the past, i've carried Hornaday's 158gr FP/xtp with 13gr blue dot (this is a max load). The flat point XTP is a flat point with a small hollow. It's designed for higher velocity than their big hollow point, and doesn't over expand.

It's my pick for a woods just in case load. I don't know what type of critters you may have, but i would not hesitate on a cougar or black bear, or as a deer hunting load.

LB

Lyle, 13.0 grs ? ( Are you sure ? ) of Blue Dot under a 158 gr. jacketed bullet has to be one heck of a warm thumper. In the past, I worked up to 10.7 grs of BD under a 158 gr jhp, and it was a plenty from 4" GP100's from a recoil & blast standpoint. Alliant & Speer now list 10.2 as max with 158 J's.

[NHlever]

I agree with the last post, and have settled on 10.0 grains of Blue dot as a max load behind any of my 158 grain .357 mag loads. 13 grains is way too hot.

[roverboy]

I used to shoot a lot of 2400 behind 158 gr. cast swc. But my cousin gave me a 25# keg of Herco and I'll probably never shoot it all, but I'm trying. I have worked up to 9 gr. with a 158 gr. cast. I load some H110 with 158 gr. behind 15 gr. Does anybody have data with Dupont 5066? I've looked on the net for .357 and .38 sp. loasd and have not found much. Its been discontinued for a long time. I was given a whole pound that looks good and I want to use it.

[HANDYMAN]

I have stuck with lil' gun ever since I first tried it. I shoot the lee 158 swc TL over 14gr. Forgot what the FPS is but it's accurate as all hell out of my 686, 28, and blackhawk. My winchester 94 trapper likes it too! For hunting I use 18gr with a 158 XTP or 15gr with 180 XTP.

[357Mag]

Howdy !

By all means, DO try 14.5gr WW296 ( or H110 as it is variously known ) and a Magnum SP primer under any Lyman lead SWC of 158-172gr.
These don't have to be gas checked, either.

#2 is: 7gr IMR 4756 and standard SP primer under same weight-range Lyman
SWCs.


With regards,
.357Mag

[Little Big Oz]

Newbie here so I hope you'll forgive my late arrival to this thread. I've used 10.3 gr Blue Dot with a 158 gr LSWC and Win small pistol primer with pretty good success. Chronographs ~1350 fps from a 6" bbl S&W 686.

[9.3X62AL]

L/B Oz--

Welcome aboard, sir. I'm fond of what Unique, Herco, and Blue Dot can do in all the straightwall revolver Magnums.

Roverboy--

Per your Dupont #5066 request........from P.O. Ackley's "Handbook For Shooters & Reloaders" (C. 1962)--

pp. 515, 357 Magnum--

148 grain bullet--4.0 grains of 5066--1000 FPS

161 " " 5.3 " " " 1090 FPS

pp. 517, 38 Special--

144 grain bullet--4.0 grains of 5066--980 FPS

Volume 2 of P.O. Ackley's "Handbook........" (C. 1966) offered quite a bit more data using #5066.

pp. 486-488, 357 Magnum--

125 grain bullet--3.0 grains of 5066--840 FPS
" " " 5.8 " " " 1240 FPS

146 grain bullet--3.5 grains of 5066--629 FPS
" " " 4.0 " " " 713 FPS
" " " 4.5 " " " 816 fPS

158 grain bullet--3.5 grains of 5066--680 FPS
" " " 5.5 " " " 1190 FPS

160 grain bullet--3.5 grains of 5066--616 FPS
" " " 4.0 " " " 767 FPS
" " " 4.5 " " " 844 FPS

165 grain bullet--3.0 grains of 5066--650 FPS
" " " 5.0 " " " 1100 FPS

200 grain bullet--3.0 grains of 5066--555 FPS
" " " 3.7 " " " 860 FPS

pp. 488-491 38 Special--

115 grain bullet--3.5 grains of 5066--690 FPS
" " " 5.5 " " " 1060 FPS

125 grain bullet--3.5 grains of 5066--700 FPS
" " " 5.5 " " " 1080 FPS

146 grain bullet--4.0 grains of 5066--850 FPS
" " " 4.5 " " " 866 FPS
" " " 5.0 " " " 965 FPS

148 grain bullet--2.5 grains of 5066--718 FPS
" " " 2.7 " " " 790 FPS

150 grain bullet--3.5 grains of 5066--710 FPS
" " " 4.6 " " " 880 FPS

160 grain bullet--4.0 grains of 5066--813 FPS
" " " 4.5 " " " 898 FPS
" " " 5.0 " " " 934 FPS

Use caution with this data, ol' Parker wasn't afraid to pour on the coal from time to time.

[Little Big Oz]

9.3X62AL,

Thanks for the welcome. Have already learned some very useful info from this forum before joining. I bought a Super Blackhawk a couple of months ago and have decided that I'll have to start casting my own bullets to thoroughly enjoy that gun.

[ColColt]

Too many good ones to decide on a favorite but, all in all I'd say...

7.5 gr of HS-6 and the 158 gr

5.5 gr of Universal-same boolit

13.5 gr of 2400-same boolit

9 gr of HS-6 and 170 gr boolit

All lead and all with CCI500 primers and Starline cases.
Ruger GP100

[MT2DAY]

looking for info using power pistol w/cast in 357

[yeahbub]

My two favorites with a 158gr paper patched is 16gr of 2400 or 19gr of Lilgun and standard primers.

[Hickok]

For years I have always used the Lyman 358429 Keith with 2400 powder, the "classic" load for the .357 mag. Just recently, I started using the Lee 358-158 RNFP and 10.5 gr of Bluedot, for 1261fps out of my Smith 686.

The Lee boolit has a wide flat meplat which I like.

[dougader]

For "serious" .357 woods duty my load is the lyman 358429 173 grain Keith bullet over 15.5 grains of lil gun. One note-many people report great performance from lil gun in rifles and lackluster performance in revolvers....bullet pull/start resistance is extremely important with lil gun. I happen to have a set of tight C&H dies for my .357 loads that help me get consistent velocities and match the velocity of 10% higher charges from "looser" dies. FWIW , My old .357 load was 10 gr of Blue Dot under 158grain bullets-still a good load.

I use that 358429 with 10 grains Hercules Blue Dot and a standard primer, a max charge listed in the Lyman manual. When I first started shooting IHMSA with a 357 mag revolver, it knocked down the 200 meter rams just fine.

You'll need to work up to this load, especially with the newer Alliant Blue Dot.

[dougader]

Lyle, 13.0 grs ? ( Are you sure ? ) of Blue Dot under a 158 gr. jacketed bullet has to be one heck of a warm thumper. In the past, I worked up to 10.7 grs of BD under a 158 gr jhp, and it was a plenty from 4" GP100's from a recoil & blast standpoint. Alliant & Speer now list 10.2 as max with 158 J's.

Old Speer 11 data lists some heavy doses of Blue Dot in every bullet weight. In working up my 357 loads back then - late 1980's - I never worked my way all the way up to a book max load with that Speer 11 Blue Dot data.

Still, my old loads were/are quite a bit hotter than what you see today in Speer 14. Heck, the old Start load in Speer 11 can be higher than the NEW max load in Speer 14.

My OLD loads with BD were:

125 jhp and 14.5 - 15.2 grains BD
140 jhp and 13.5 grains BD
158 jhp and 12.5 grains BD

I still use 10 grains BD with the Lyman 358429, a load (as noted in my previous post) that is still listed in Lyman 49th but worked up to by me when I was using the Lyman 45th.

I always use standard primers with Blue Dot. Mag primers can get "spikey" on a fella when using BD.

I'm still using a keg of Hercules Blue Dot and have never used the newer Alliant Blue Dot. I suggest using current data when it's available... and it is available.

[wbrco]

I see a lot of posts about BlueDot (and 6.8gr under 158 lswc is my favorite .38spc load).

What I don't understand is why there is such a lack of data for .38 and .357 for BlueDot in the Alliant data books..

I have yet to work up a .357 load with BlueDot, but at least now I have a bunch of posts to reference. Looks like 10grs is the high end.

As an old shotgun reloader I've used BlueDot for a long time, but didn't realize they changed the formula. What's the main difference
in the versions?

[Treeman]

wbrco, They didn't change the formula. Past data seems to indicate that lot to lot variations in Blue dot showed more in handgun loads than they did in shotguns but most specifically and importantly it was discovered that in SOME revolvers the pressure peak with BDot and 125grain bullets was occurring precisely as the bullet base left the cylinder, punching up the base and causing a pressure spike as it swaged back down in the forcing cone.....in other words pressures have been known to be higher in revolvers than in pressure barrels due that action but BDot and 125s in .357 was taking it way beyond "normal". Therefore Alliant warns against Bdot in .357 with light bullets and pulled their old .41 Mag daa because they found issues with it also.

Resurrecting this old thread causes me to mention that I moved away from l'il gun due to the erosion reports regarding it I didn't want to use it in my Mod 19. My new"thumper" in .357 is the 173 grain Keith and 14 grains of 2400.

[6thtexas]

I generally stuck to a 358429/13.0 grains of 2400 seated out to crimp in the crimp groove as I am running a S&WM19 and a couple of Rugers. On occasion I will load a few 358416s up with a max load of 2400 for a Ruger Bisley.

[Char-Gar]

Another thread back from the dead!

[youngmman]

Absolute favorite is the LBT 155Gn WFN (BHN 14) 93/5/2 alloy, over 10gns Blue Dot, CCI Magnum primer. It's extremely accurate and devastating on the small varmints: 9.5gns of Blue Dot works very well also.

[gray wolf]

Absolute favorite is the LBT 155Gn WFN (BHN 14) 93/5/2 alloy, over 10gns Blue Dot, CCI Magnum primer. It's extremely accurate and devastating on the small varmints: 9.5gns of Blue Dot works very well also. Old blue dot or the newer blue dot ?
or does it matter ? I think yes.

[Ed1]

tagged to find later

[kawasakifreak77]

^ditto^

I'm starting to work with my first boolits: ACWW 358429s pan lubed with some old lube called micro lube I picked up & shot as cast.

Gun is a S&W 686 that has served me without fail. Crimping in the crimp groove JUST fits in the cylinder with a O.A.L. of 1.660"

Been trying W296 first. First outing had poor accuracy but almost no leading. Second outing was a little better. Just got a trim die to uniform all my brass & will try a heavier crimp next time. Seems like W296 likes to run on the ragged edge.

I'm getting 1260 fps. Makes factory loads look wimpy. You know it when you touch one of these off!

[Clay M]

I have an older RCBS 162 gr GC mold. I have always had good luck with that bullet and 13gr of 2400. It is not a max load and is not that hard on any of the guns I have used it in.I have given good accuracy in about everything I tried.

[Boogieman]

I have an older RCBS 162 gr GC mold. I have always had good luck with that bullet and 13gr of 2400. It is not a max load and is not that hard on any of the guns I have used it in.I have given good accuracy in about everything I tried.
I use the same load. it crono's 1260fps out of a 4" Ruger SS with a 12fps SD. I get lower SD's with 2400 in my .357,41,& 44Mag's than anything else I've tried. Elmer was right.

[Sgtonory]

16 grains of Alliant 300MP with a magnum primer with a 358159 at around 1150 fps in a 38special case.

[TMenezes]

16 grains of Alliant 300MP with a magnum primer with a 358159 at around 1150 fps in a 38special case.

I was hoping someone would mention if 300MP was good. I can't find any but when I do I'll give it a try. Alliant's claims show it as the most powerful powder for magnum handguns.

Right now the only magnum pistol powder I can find is Blue Dot, Accurate #7, #9, and 4100. Going to try all 3 (except 4100, its available, just havent bought any) and see what works best for my new to me S&W 586 with a 4in barrel.

[jmort]

Alliant has set the bar higher with the 300MP. It will outshine H110/296. I like Blue Dot and your #9 is really good stuff.

[gwpercle]

Since a 357 Ruger Blackhawk got me started casting and loading back when Skeeter and Elmer were considered knowledgeable about such things...I'll throw my favorite load into the ring.
357 magnum, 7.5 grs Unique, standard small pistol primer, over :
Lyman 358477 - 150 gr. SWC
Lyman 358156 - 155 gr. SWC with GC
Lyman 358432 - 160 gr. WC
Lyman 358429 - 170 gr. SWC
All boolits sized .357 (because the 3rd edition Lyman manual said to size them .357 - I did)
I recently got a .358 die and going to give them all a try at that diameter.
It may seem strange but the 160 gr wadcutter #358432 groups the best out of the Blackhawk!

Gary

[trapdoor1873]

Lyman 358156 gas check sized .358 with 15.5 grains of H110 and Winchester magnum primer in a Ruger Blackhawk 4" barrel. Also shoots good in a friends GP100.

[rintinglen]

RCBS 162 grain SWC GC with 15.7 grains of H-110. The most accurate magnum load I have found for the .357 magnum.

[cattleskinner]

I am going to bump this thread back up. I just tried 8 gr of Unique, Winchester spp, mixed brass and a powder coated 100 gr Lee ranch dog fp copy. Shot out of a rifle, it kicks between a 22 mag and a 223 and shoots pretty flat to 200 yards. Cases come out just a hair sooty, but it seems to be a load you could shoot all afternoon and giggle the entire time.

[at_liberty]

I can't say favorite, but following the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook highlighting of their best result, I am going back to my 10.0 gr HS-6 load for 158 Gr coated MO LSWC. I use magnum primers. I had been using somewhat downloaded 300-MP but have been advised that I was sailing in uncharted waters.

[zubrato]

I really like 10gr Blue dot under 158gr SWC.

Will be working up 2400 and Longshot soon for the 358429.

Longshot should be a perfect powder, being so close to Blue dot on the burn rate chart, has anyone used it before with good results?

[toallmy]

I have just started , about 1-2 months with 6 in rugar 357 and cast . Onely tried two molds so far a old r.c.b.s. kt 150 pb swc ,and seaco 148 button nose wc . Stopped using the wc already and having a blast with the old 150 swc and red dot haven't tried anything else yet. But it's working for me . Guns filthy but bores clean.

[youngmman]

Old blue dot or the newer blue dot ?
or does it matter ? I think yes.

Probably "old", I bought 16lbs of it a long time ago and am still working on it since I shoot several other calibers.

[jeepyj]

Marked as referance for 296 / H110 with interest for 358156 GC
jeepyj

[9.3X62AL]

5-1/2 years later, and still loading 13.5 grains of Alliant 2400 into W-W cases and CCI 500 primers with #358156 crimped into the top groove as a favored load. With my old shop now requiring the Federal #357B "FBI Load" in its 357s, I also assemble 125 J-words atop 17.5 grains of 2400 to practice with. "When in Rome......" yadda yadda yadda. I still shoot a lot of #358156, though--it is one of the few examples I stayed busy with during the 1-1/2 year hiatus of reloading I just concluded with a move. I had LOTS of those laying around loaded & ready, and among the first duties I'll undertake is to refill that lot of brass.

[xrider472]

looking for info using power pistol w/cast in 357
I have gotten good results with 7.0 grains of Power Pistol under the Lee 158 RNFP.

[at_liberty]

Alliant has set the bar higher with the 300MP. It will outshine H110/296. I like Blue Dot and your #9 is really good stuff.

I think we will eventually establish that 300-MP is a powder requiring gas checks and near full power loads, not to mention a pretty burly shooter to hang on.

[twc1964]

I go for 15.2gr of 2400 under a 160 grain lee rnfp boolit. Accurate as heck and goes 1350fps out of my ruger nmbh. Nice load .

[Jtarm]

14 grains 2400 behind a 358429 of quenched WW.

A little pedestrian, but wicked accurate.

[Hamish]

14 grains 2400 behind a 358429 of quenched WW.

A little pedestrian, but wicked accurate.

There really is something about 2400,,,,,,,,

14 grains 2400 behind a 360-230 of WD (approx.) 50/50 range scrap/WW, with .5% copper.

*Contender/bolt action load ONLY*

[paul h]

I know 2400 is supposed to be the powder for .357's, but I never got quite the accuracy I was after. I switched to H-110 and my groups shrunk right where I wanted them.

Seems like 15 gr of H-110 under a 170-200 gr cast is the sweet spot in my blackhawk.

[Old Ironsights]

With the exception of my LilGun load, 2400 is my goto Powder for everything I load. That "contender only" load sounds like a peach in my Rossi 1892...

[Jtarm]

There really is something about 2400,,,,,,,,

14 grains 2400 behind a 360-230 of WD (approx.) 50/50 range scrap/WW, with .5% copper.

*Contender/bolt action load ONLY*

Yep I was never an Elmer Keith fan, but apparently he was on to something with the 2400/SWC combination.

A charge of 2400 about 10% below max seems ideal for the hardness of the quenched WW alloy.

I've had similar results in .44s with the
Lyman .429241. 16.5 in .44 Special and 18.5 in magnum brass.

[zomby woof]

13.0 2400 with a 158 Hi-Tek coated boolit. I'm running out of 2400 and may switch to HS-6.

[9.3X62AL]

It would be difficult to imagine my reloading bench without Alliant 2400. VERY USEFUL, excellent as a magnum revolver powder--as a 410 shotshell fuel--and for cast bullet rifle loads. Some of my best accuracy in small-caliber centerfires has resulted from its use.

[Old Ironsights]

Heck, I even had great luck with 2400 in the 45-70 with the old Lyman data.

[mr surveyor]

2400 is what my late mentor got me started and hooked on, and when the supply started to dwindle 2-3 years ago AA#9 had to take it's place. If Aliant hadn't let the supply of A2400 and Unique almost totally dry up, I may have never switched to the AA9, AA7 and AA5 powders. I do like the AA powders, but I'm really missing the 2400 and Unique supply.


jd

[zubrato]

My favorites are the 358429 over 13.5gr 2400 or 10gr blue dot. Comfortable magnum loads, very accurate.

[sniper]

BE 86 and .38 Spl +P or 357 Magnum & cast boolits? Any successes?

[Kermit2]

For a pleasant load I use 6.0 grains of Unique in a .357 case with a 158 cast SWC. For more serious work I load a lot of boolits cast with Lyman 358156 GC. I load them seated and crimped in the lower crimp groove of the boolits in .38 spl cases and use 12.5 grains of 2400. Seems to be a very nice load.

[marshall623]

For GP-100
9.5 gr. Blue Dot under Lyman 358477 @ .358" Std. WSP primer
NOE 360-180-WFN-GC 50/50 water cooled noses tempered over 12.2Gr. AA#9 CCI mag primer
For 10" Tender
Lyman 358477 @.360" over 9.0 gr Blue Dot Std. win. primer
NOE 360-180-WFN-GC 50/50 water cooled noses tempered over 12.6gr. AA#9 CCI mag primer

[Sean357]

Favorite so far:
RimRock 158 gr SWC with a coat of alox over 9.8 gr HS-6 with a standard S&B primer
Excellent results from 3" SP101.

[LOBO]

.357 magnum
mixed brass
Federal small pistol primer
Accurate #7 @ 10 grs.
158 gr. LSWC
1.59" coal

S&W 686 4" = 1,175 fps
Ruger Security Six = 1,292 fps

*chrono info is from an Oehler 35


.357 magnum
Remington brass
Federal small pistol primer
2400 @ 15 grs.
158 gr. LSWC
1.59" coal

S&W 686 4" = 1,385 fps

*chrono info is from an Oehler 35

[Kosh75287]

8.5/Herco/158gr. projectile of shooter's choice. This is probably over SAAMI max, so work up carefully, and use only in revolvers constructed to withstand heavy loads. My 4" Police Service Six eats this load like candy, and it works well in a 3.5" S&W M27. Velocity is slightly higher in barrels longer than 4". The last time I chronoed the load I was getting 1284 f/s. With a properly constructed projectile, I think I could get one into the brain of a bear before TOO much goes wrong.

[Hi-Speed]

...why not add to this great thread:

My favorite 357 Magnum loads using 158 gr cast SWC (Lyman 2):

6.0 grs Unique - Range load
6.5 grs Unique - Outdoors load
13.5 grs 2400 - Magnum load

[Dieselhorses]

I know 2400 is supposed to be the powder for .357's, but I never got quite the accuracy I was after. I switched to H-110 and my groups shrunk right where I wanted them.

Seems like 15 gr of H-110 under a 170-200 gr cast is the sweet spot in my blackhawk.

While I'm here, mentioning it works well in 686 w/6" barrel:

237224

Not one of my best groups but free handed and DA at around ten yards

[pukester]

Lyman -156GC over 15 grs 2400. The Lee similar boolit is a suitable substitute. I haven't chrono'ed it, but should be around 1250 or thereabouts.

I chrony your above powder quite a bit,..Unless you are shooting a 2 inch snubby, you are going to get a lot more velocity than 1250 fps.

[pukester]

masscaster, Double check your data!!! the load that you just listed is more that 20% over handbook max.

sierrawhiskey, Your pressure figures/advice are bit odd.

20 nickles, I use Win. small pistol primers with lilgun

158 grain original 357 magnum load had more 2400 in it than the one just listed,.. If it's unsafe for your gun,...your gun must not be a heavy frame 357.

[pukester]

My 357 loads are nearly all 15.3 grains of 2400 with a 158 gr. lee gas check bullet. The velocity of that is near 1800fps in my model 92 levergun, and with my 6 inch ruger...a bit under 1600 fps,..4 inch ruger is barely under 1500 fps,..3 inch ruger (can't remember). Snubby I think is it bit under 1300ish. 4" GP100 is a tad slower than 4" security six...maybe 10 to 20 fps.

[Conditor22]

summary of thread, + = number of people liking that load

150= boolit weight
blue dot 9.5 12 = grains of powder

155
231 5
H110/W296 15.5 15.7

158
4227 15
2400 13.5 ++++ 14 ++ 14.5 15 ++++
red dot 6.2
Bullseye 6.4
Unique 6 ++ 6.1 6.4 ++
blue dot 9.5 10 +++++ 10.5 ++ danwesson
HS-6 7.5 9.8 10.2
H110/W296 14.5 ++
Accurate #7 10

160
2400 12 15.2

165
H110/W296 14.5 15 ++
2400 12 13 13.5 ++ 14
HS-6 9
blue dot 10 ++ STANDARD PRIMER

5.9gr. Unique, 357 brass, standard primers, 158 gr cast My favorite load for IPSC shooting and general enjoyment

YMMV, always confirm any load data from a forum with published data before using

[robg]

165gngc 13.5 gn 2400 spp =1550fps in my win trapper 195gngc 11.5gn 2400 =1250fps in trapper. 7grain true blue 158gn pb lee boolit shoots well for a medium load ,havent chronyed it.

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Right now it is a HBWC over 2.8 gr. Bullseye. My Model 27 has tight cylinders just over groove diameter so I'm having difficulty with cast boolits in it. Got some powder coated Lee 125 rn sized to .357 to try out over 5 gr. Titegroup.

[sghart3578]

Lately I have been having good luck with the RCBS 38-162-SWC over 16 gr of 296 in my Marlin.


Steve in N CA

[Rodfac]

358156 gc (gc annealed), over 13.5 gr of 2400 with standard primers. Alloy: WW + 2% tin, air cooled and sized to 0.358". Loaded in Starline .357 Magnum brass, this combination is superbly accurate in a pair of Smith 19's, another pair of Smith 66's, and two Ruger 50th Anniversary Flat Tom BH's.

In my Marlin 1894 CS, I size bullets to 0.359" with the same load and get sub-2" groups at 100 yds with a 2.5x Leupold Alaskan scope mounted. For best accuracy, I've trimmed all of my cases to a uniform length, thereby getting a more uniform roll crimp. Too, I visually inspect those bullets for any imperfections but do not weigh them. HTH's Rod